EP1304587A1 - Arrayed waveguide multiplexor/demultiplexor module - Google Patents

Arrayed waveguide multiplexor/demultiplexor module Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1304587A1
EP1304587A1 EP02292571A EP02292571A EP1304587A1 EP 1304587 A1 EP1304587 A1 EP 1304587A1 EP 02292571 A EP02292571 A EP 02292571A EP 02292571 A EP02292571 A EP 02292571A EP 1304587 A1 EP1304587 A1 EP 1304587A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
optical
output
input
thin film
waveguide
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP02292571A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Vincent Patoz
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3SP Technologies SAS
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Alcatel Optronics France SA
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Publication of EP1304587A1 publication Critical patent/EP1304587A1/en
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/28—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
    • G02B6/293—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
    • G02B6/29346—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means operating by wave or beam interference
    • G02B6/29361—Interference filters, e.g. multilayer coatings, thin film filters, dichroic splitters or mirrors based on multilayers, WDM filters
    • G02B6/29368—Light guide comprising the filter, e.g. filter deposited on a fibre end
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/10—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type
    • G02B6/12—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind
    • G02B6/12007—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind forming wavelength selective elements, e.g. multiplexer, demultiplexer
    • G02B6/12009—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind forming wavelength selective elements, e.g. multiplexer, demultiplexer comprising arrayed waveguide grating [AWG] devices, i.e. with a phased array of waveguides
    • G02B6/12016—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind forming wavelength selective elements, e.g. multiplexer, demultiplexer comprising arrayed waveguide grating [AWG] devices, i.e. with a phased array of waveguides characterised by the input or output waveguides, e.g. tapered waveguide ends, coupled together pairs of output waveguides
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/10—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type
    • G02B6/12—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind
    • G02B6/12007—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind forming wavelength selective elements, e.g. multiplexer, demultiplexer
    • G02B6/12009—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind forming wavelength selective elements, e.g. multiplexer, demultiplexer comprising arrayed waveguide grating [AWG] devices, i.e. with a phased array of waveguides
    • G02B6/12019—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type of the integrated circuit kind forming wavelength selective elements, e.g. multiplexer, demultiplexer comprising arrayed waveguide grating [AWG] devices, i.e. with a phased array of waveguides characterised by the optical interconnection to or from the AWG devices, e.g. integration or coupling with lasers or photodiodes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/28—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals
    • G02B6/293—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means
    • G02B6/29379—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means characterised by the function or use of the complete device
    • G02B6/2938—Optical coupling means having data bus means, i.e. plural waveguides interconnected and providing an inherently bidirectional system by mixing and splitting signals with wavelength selective means characterised by the function or use of the complete device for multiplexing or demultiplexing, i.e. combining or separating wavelengths, e.g. 1xN, NxM
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/24—Coupling light guides
    • G02B6/26—Optical coupling means
    • G02B6/30—Optical coupling means for use between fibre and thin-film device

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of components wavelength multiplexers / demultiplexers, and more specifically to angular dispersion network multiplexers / demultiplexers designated by the continued by AWG for "Arrayed Waveguide Grating" in English.
  • Such components are conventionally used for multiplexing applications and / or demultiplexing, or for wavelength selection applications, known under the English term of Add and Drop Multiplexing.
  • Such an AWG is not capable alone of filtering the wavelengths.
  • Patent application JP11006928 discloses an AWG associated with components each comprising a thin film filter.
  • Such thin film filters are known per se and consist of a succession of thin layers, of different refractive indices.
  • Layer filters presented in this document are bandpass type and are suitable for thus eliminating unwanted wavelengths to avoid in particular inter-symbol or 'crosstalk' mixtures.
  • AWG outputs so that they cause additional optical loss.
  • the AWG substrate includes trenches. This type of component insertion poses problems for the manufacturing and reliability issues.
  • the object of the invention is to produce an optical module including a AWG component and a thin film filter capable, depending on the applications, of process wavelengths (or channels) individually or by spectral band given, the module is also efficient, reliable, compact and integrated.
  • the thin layer filter according to the invention is not included in an additional component added to the module.
  • the thin film filter is deposited on the coupling facet of the optical fiber (s) entering and / or leaving the module, or on the coupling facet of the input waveguide (s) and / or component output.
  • the coupling facet thus plays the role of substrate for the thin film filter. according to the invention.
  • the optical coupling interfaces between the (s) input and / or output waveguide (s) of the multiplexer / demultiplexer component and the input and / or output optical fiber (s) of the module are interfaces glued.
  • the component angular dispersion network multiplexer / demultiplexer is integrated on a monolithic substrate and the optical module is integrated on a hybrid substrate.
  • said thin film filter is able to select a single order of dispersion of the output signal of said component.
  • a direct consequence of the diffraction of optical signals in the guide network of a conventional AWG is that the spectrum of each optical signal in the output guides is reproduced on different orders of diffraction. Indeed, the phase shift introduced into the guide network is limited to a 2 ⁇ modulo.
  • the input signals can be output demultiplexed on several diffraction orders at a wavelength interval corresponding to a AWG parameter known by the acronym FSR for Free Spectral Tidy.
  • FSR Free Spectral Tidy
  • the spectral response of the thin film filter according to the invention is advantageously adjusted to not allow transmission as an output signal the AWG as a single diffraction order.
  • the other orders are eliminated, that is to say they are not reused.
  • the module will demultiplex and transmit only the lengths C band waveform
  • said thin film filter is able to authorize the transmission of a group of wavelengths and is able to reflecting distinct wavelengths from said group of wavelengths.
  • the module will demultiplex and transmit only one group of wavelengths in this C or L band, for example four or eight wavelengths of the same sub-band, and reflect other wavelengths for their reuse. These other wavelengths are for example redirected by means of an upstream or integrated optical circulator to the module according to the invention.
  • the optical module is a wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing and / or an optical module wavelength selection.
  • the invention proposes to produce an integrated optical module, including a angular dispersion networks (AWG) multiplexer / demultiplexer component and a thin film filter, which transmits only certain wavelengths of the input signal.
  • ATG angular dispersion networks
  • Such an optical module comprises at least one input optical fiber (several in the case of a multiplexer) and at least one output optical fiber (several in the case of a demultiplexer), these optical fibers being coupled to a angular dispersion networks (AWG) multiplexer / demultiplexer component.
  • AWG angular dispersion networks
  • Figures 3a and 3b schematically illustrate the coupling interfaces input and output optics according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the AWG 20 includes at least one guide input wave 11 having an optical coupling interface with a fiber input optics 8 and at least one output waveguide 15 having a optical coupling interface with an optical fiber output 8 '.
  • optical coupling interfaces are generally bonded.
  • the optical fibers 8, 8 ′ have a circular section while the guides Wave 11 and 15 of the AWG have a rectangular section.
  • the component AWG 20 being integrated monolithically on a substrate 10, a weld is by therefore difficult to achieve.
  • the invention proposes to insert a thin film filter 5 directly to the optical coupling interface between the optical fiber input 8 or output 8 'and the AWG input 11 or output 15 waveguide.
  • the thin film filter consists of a succession of thin layers, of different refractive indices, deposited by spraying or evaporation under vacuum according to techniques perfectly mastered by those skilled in the art. By varying the number, thickness and refractive indices of the different layers superimposed, it is possible to develop the spectral response of the filter: the layer filter slim 5 is designed so that you can select the correct diffraction order of the AWG component output signal.
  • the thin layer filter is designed so as to allow transmitting a group of wavelengths and reflecting the wavelengths distinct from said group of wavelengths.
  • the thin film filter 5 is advantageously deposited on the facet of coupling of the optical fiber (s) input 8 or output 8 ′ of the module.
  • the coupling facet of an optical fiber is often cleaved and includes generally an anti-reflection treatment carried out by a deposition technology of thin layers identical to that described for the realization of the filter layers thin.
  • the thin film filter 5 can also be deposited on the coupling facet of the input waveguide (s) 11 or output 15 of component 20.
  • Thin film filter 5 is not included in a component additional to the module according to the invention because it is directly integrated into the input or output optical coupling interface. So the AWG component being integrated on a monolithic substrate, hybrid integration with optical fibers input and output provides the integrated module according to the invention.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Optical Integrated Circuits (AREA)

Abstract

The multiplexer/demultiplexer component has an angular dispersion network (20) with a waveguide input (11) and output. The integrated module has a fibre optic input and output with the input waveguide interface. The fibre optic input and output waveguide interfacing the fibre optic output. The filter layers (5) are placed directly between the input and output optical coupling of the multiplexer/demultiplexer and the fibre optic input/output coupling.

Description

La présente invention se rapporte au domaine des composants multiplexeurs/démultiplexeurs en longueur d'onde, et plus spécifiquement aux multiplexeurs/démultiplexeurs à réseaux de dispersion angulaire désignés par la suite par AWG pour « Arrayed Waveguide Grating » en anglais. De tels composants sont classiquement utilisés pour des applications de multiplexage et/ou démultiplexage, ou pour des applications de sélection en longueur d'onde, connue sous le terme anglais de Add and Drop Multiplexing.The present invention relates to the field of components wavelength multiplexers / demultiplexers, and more specifically to angular dispersion network multiplexers / demultiplexers designated by the continued by AWG for "Arrayed Waveguide Grating" in English. Such components are conventionally used for multiplexing applications and / or demultiplexing, or for wavelength selection applications, known under the English term of Add and Drop Multiplexing.

La figure 1 illustre schématiquement un composant AWG 20 classique intégré sur un substrat 10, par exemple en silicium. Des guides d'onde d'entrée 11 transmettent des signaux optiques à des longueurs d'onde données λ1, λ2, ... λn dans un coupleur d'entrée 12 vers un réseau de guides d'onde 13. Les signaux optiques subissent des déphasages dans le réseau de guides 13 et sont ensuite focalisés par un coupleur de sortie 14 dans des guides de sortie 15. Chaque signal optique subit les opérations suivantes :

  • une diffraction dans le coupleur d'entrée 12, mathématiquement représentée par la transformée de Fourier du signal subissant la diffraction, chaque guide du réseau 13 situé au niveau de la surface de sortie du coupleur 12 recevant une partie de l'onde diffractée,
  • des déphasages dans le réseau de guides 13 à chemins optiques variables, le chemin optique parcouru dans un guide du réseau s'exprimant en fonction de l'indice de réfraction du guide et de sa longueur; les déphasages produisant en sortie du réseau de guides 13 des interférences qui sont constructives dans une direction dépendant de la longueur d'onde,
  • une focalisation sur la surface de sortie du coupleur 14 des interférences constructives des ondes issues des guides du réseau 13.
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a conventional AWG component 20 integrated on a substrate 10, for example made of silicon. Input waveguides 11 transmit optical signals at given wavelengths λ 1 , λ 2 , ... λ n in an input coupler 12 to an array of waveguides 13. The signals optics undergo phase shifts in the array of guides 13 and are then focused by an output coupler 14 in output guides 15. Each optical signal undergoes the following operations:
  • a diffraction in the input coupler 12, mathematically represented by the Fourier transform of the signal undergoing the diffraction, each guide of the grating 13 located at the output surface of the coupler 12 receiving a part of the diffracted wave,
  • phase shifts in the network of guides 13 with variable optical paths, the optical path traveled in a network guide being expressed as a function of the refractive index of the guide and its length; the phase shifts producing interference from the array of guides 13 which are constructive in a direction dependent on the wavelength,
  • focusing on the output surface of the coupler 14 of the constructive interference of the waves coming from the guides of the network 13.

Un tel AWG n'est pas capable seul de filtrer les longueurs d'onde.Such an AWG is not capable alone of filtering the wavelengths.

La demande de brevet JP11006928 divulgue un AWG associé à des composants comportant chacun un filtre couches minces.Patent application JP11006928 discloses an AWG associated with components each comprising a thin film filter.

De tels filtres couches minces sont connus en soi et se composent d'une succession de couches minces, d'indices de réfraction différents. Les filtres couche minces présentés dans ce document sont de type passe bande et sont aptes à éliminer ainsi les longueurs d'ondes indésirables afin d'éviter notamment des mélanges inter symboles ou 'crosstalk'.Such thin film filters are known per se and consist of a succession of thin layers, of different refractive indices. Layer filters presented in this document are bandpass type and are suitable for thus eliminating unwanted wavelengths to avoid in particular inter-symbol or 'crosstalk' mixtures.

Ces composants à filtre couche minces sont intercalés dans les guides de sorties de l'AWG de sorte qu'ils engendrent des pertes optiques supplémentaires.These thin film filter components are interposed in the guides. AWG outputs so that they cause additional optical loss.

En outre, pour accueillir ces composants, le substrat de l'AWG comprend des tranchées. Ce type d'insertion de composants pose des problèmes à la fabrication et des problèmes de fiabilité.In addition, to accommodate these components, the AWG substrate includes trenches. This type of component insertion poses problems for the manufacturing and reliability issues.

L'objet de l'invention est de réaliser un module optique incluant un composant AWG et un filtre couches minces capable, selon les applications, de traiter des longueurs d'ondes (ou canaux) individuellement ou par bande spectrale donnée, le module étant en outre performant, fiable, compact et intégré.The object of the invention is to produce an optical module including a AWG component and a thin film filter capable, depending on the applications, of process wavelengths (or channels) individually or by spectral band given, the module is also efficient, reliable, compact and integrated.

La présente invention propose à cet effet un module optique comprenant :

  • un composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur à réseaux de dispersion angulaire comprenant au moins un guide d'onde d'entrée et au moins un guide d'onde de sortie
  • un filtre couches minces,
   caractérisé en ce que le module est intégré et comprend en outre au moins une fibre optique d'entrée et au moins une fibre optique de sortie, ledit guide d'onde d'entrée présentant une interface de couplage optique avec la fibre optique d'entrée et ledit guide d'onde de sortie présentant une interface de couplage optique avec la fibre optique de sortie,
   et en ce que ledit filtre couches minces est inséré directement à l'interface de couplage optique entre le(s) guide(s) d'onde d'entrée et/ou de sortie du composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur et la(les) fibre(s) optique(s) d'entrée et/ou de sortie du module.The present invention proposes for this purpose an optical module comprising:
  • a multiplexer / demultiplexer component with angular dispersion networks comprising at least one input waveguide and at least one output waveguide
  • a thin film filter,
characterized in that the module is integrated and further comprises at least one input optical fiber and at least one output optical fiber, said input waveguide having an interface for optical coupling with the input optical fiber and said output waveguide having an interface for optical coupling with the output optical fiber,
and in that said thin film filter is inserted directly at the optical coupling interface between the input and / or output waveguide (s) of the multiplexer / demultiplexer component and the fiber (s) ( s) module input and / or output optics.

Contrairement à l'art antérieur, le filtre couche minces selon l'invention n'est pas compris dans un composant supplémentaire rajouté dans le module.Unlike the prior art, the thin layer filter according to the invention is not included in an additional component added to the module.

Selon les modes de mise en oeuvre, le filtre couches minces est déposé sur la facette de couplage de la (des) fibre(s) optique(s) d'entrée et/ou de sortie du module, ou sur la facette de couplage du (des) guide(s) d'onde d'entrée et/ou de sortie du composant.According to the modes of implementation, the thin film filter is deposited on the coupling facet of the optical fiber (s) entering and / or leaving the module, or on the coupling facet of the input waveguide (s) and / or component output.

La facette de couplage joue ainsi le rôle de substrat du filtre couche minces selon l'invention. The coupling facet thus plays the role of substrate for the thin film filter. according to the invention.

Selon une particularité, les interfaces de couplage optique entre le(s) guide(s) d'onde d'entrée et/ou de sortie du composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur et la(les) fibre(s) optique(s) d'entrée et/ou de sortie du module sont des interfaces collées.According to a particular feature, the optical coupling interfaces between the (s) input and / or output waveguide (s) of the multiplexer / demultiplexer component and the input and / or output optical fiber (s) of the module are interfaces glued.

Selon un mode de réalisation avantageux, le composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur à réseaux de dispersion angulaire est intégré sur un substrat monolithique et le module optique est intégré sur un substrat hybride.According to an advantageous embodiment, the component angular dispersion network multiplexer / demultiplexer is integrated on a monolithic substrate and the optical module is integrated on a hybrid substrate.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation préféré, ledit filtre couches minces est apte à sélectionner un unique ordre de dispersion du signal de sortie dudit composant.In a first preferred embodiment, said thin film filter is able to select a single order of dispersion of the output signal of said component.

Une conséquence directe de la diffraction des signaux optiques dans le réseau de guide d'un AWG classique est que le spectre de chaque signal optique dans les guides de sortie se reproduit sur différents ordres de diffraction. En effet, le déphasage introduit dans le réseau de guide est limité à un modulo 2π.A direct consequence of the diffraction of optical signals in the guide network of a conventional AWG is that the spectrum of each optical signal in the output guides is reproduced on different orders of diffraction. Indeed, the phase shift introduced into the guide network is limited to a 2π modulo.

Ainsi, comme illustré sur la figure 2 dans le cas d'un démultiplexeur à 16 canaux, les signaux d'entrée peuvent être transmis démultiplexés en sortie sur plusieurs ordres de diffraction à un intervalle de longueur d'onde correspondant à un paramètre de l'AWG connu sous l'acronyme anglais de FSR pour Free Spectral Range. Ce paramètre représente l'espacement spectral entre deux ordres de diffraction successifs et dépend des propriétés matérielles de l'AWG, en particulier de la géométrie des coupleurs 12 et 14.Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 2 in the case of a 16-fold demultiplexer channels, the input signals can be output demultiplexed on several diffraction orders at a wavelength interval corresponding to a AWG parameter known by the acronym FSR for Free Spectral Tidy. This parameter represents the spectral spacing between two orders of successive diffraction and depends on the material properties of the AWG, in particular of the geometry of couplers 12 and 14.

Or, cette répétition du spectre optique peut être un inconvénient dans certaines applications. En particulier, lorsque des signaux différents transmettant des données différentes se propagent respectivement à des longueurs d'onde correspondant à λ1+FSR et λ1, et que ces signaux se retrouvent démultiplexés et transmis dans le même guide de sortie.However, this repetition of the optical spectrum can be a drawback in certain applications. In particular, when different signals transmitting different data propagate respectively at wavelengths corresponding to λ 1 + FSR and λ 1 , and these signals are found demultiplexed and transmitted in the same output guide.

Aussi, la réponse spectrale du filtre couches minces selon l'invention est avantageusement ajusté pour ne permettre la transmission en signal de sortie de l'AWG que d'un unique ordre de diffraction. Dans ce premier mode de réalisation, les autres ordres sont éliminés c'est-à-dire qu'ils ne sont pas réutilisées.Also, the spectral response of the thin film filter according to the invention is advantageously adjusted to not allow transmission as an output signal the AWG as a single diffraction order. In this first embodiment, the other orders are eliminated, that is to say they are not reused.

Par exemple, à partir dun signal d'entrée composé de longueurs d'onde dans les deux bandes de transmission C (1530-1560 nm environ) et L (1565-1610 nm environ), le module va démultiplexer et transmettre uniquement les longueurs d'onde de la bande C. For example, from an input signal composed of wavelengths in the two transmission bands C (1530-1560 nm approximately) and L (1565-1610 nm approximately), the module will demultiplex and transmit only the lengths C band waveform

Dans un deuxième mode de réalisation préféré, ledit filtre couches minces est apte à autoriser la transmission d'un groupe de longueurs d'onde et est apte à réfléchir des longueurs d'onde distinctes dudit groupe de longueurs d'onde.In a second preferred embodiment, said thin film filter is able to authorize the transmission of a group of wavelengths and is able to reflecting distinct wavelengths from said group of wavelengths.

Par exemple, à partir d'un signal d'entrée composé de longueurs d'onde dans l'une des bandes de transmission C ou L, le module va démultiplexer et transmettre uniquement un groupe de longueurs d'onde dans cette bande C ou L, par exemple quatre ou huit longueurs d'onde d'une même sous-bande, et réfléchir les autres longueurs d'ondes pour leur réutilisation. Ces autres longueurs d'onde sont par exemple redirigées au moyen d'un circulateur optique en amont ou intégré au module selon l'invention.For example, from an input signal composed of wavelengths in one of the transmission bands C or L, the module will demultiplex and transmit only one group of wavelengths in this C or L band, for example four or eight wavelengths of the same sub-band, and reflect other wavelengths for their reuse. These other wavelengths are for example redirected by means of an upstream or integrated optical circulator to the module according to the invention.

Selon les applications, le module optique est un module de multiplexage/démultiplexage en longueur d'onde et/ou un module optique de sélection en longueur d'onde.Depending on the applications, the optical module is a wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing and / or an optical module wavelength selection.

Les particularités et avantages de la présente invention apparaítront plus clairement à la lecture de la description qui suit, donnée à titre d'exemple illustratif et non limitatif, et faite en référence aux figures annexées dans lesquelles :

  • la figure 1, déjà décrite, illustre la structure classique d'un multiplexeur/démultiplexeur à réseaux de dispersion angulaire ;
  • la figure 2, déjà décrite, illustre schématiquement le spectre de démultiplexage d'un multiplexeur/démultiplexeur à réseaux de dispersion angulaire;
  • les figures 3a et 3b illustrent schématiquement des mises en oeuvre possibles d'un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention.
The features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, and made with reference to the appended figures in which:
  • FIG. 1, already described, illustrates the conventional structure of a multiplexer / demultiplexer with angular dispersion networks;
  • FIG. 2, already described, schematically illustrates the demultiplexing spectrum of a multiplexer / demultiplexer with angular dispersion networks;
  • Figures 3a and 3b schematically illustrate possible implementations of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

L'invention propose de réaliser un module optique intégré, incluant un composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur à réseaux de dispersion angulaire (AWG) et un filtre couches minces, qui ne transmette en signal de sortie que certaines longueurs d'onde du signal d'entrée.The invention proposes to produce an integrated optical module, including a angular dispersion networks (AWG) multiplexer / demultiplexer component and a thin film filter, which transmits only certain wavelengths of the input signal.

Un tel module optique comporte au moins une fibre optique d'entrée (plusieurs dans le cas d'un multiplexeur) et au moins une fibre optique de sortie (plusieurs dans le cas d'un démultiplexeur), ces fibres optiques étant couplées à un composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur à réseaux de dispersion angulaire (AWG).Such an optical module comprises at least one input optical fiber (several in the case of a multiplexer) and at least one output optical fiber (several in the case of a demultiplexer), these optical fibers being coupled to a angular dispersion networks (AWG) multiplexer / demultiplexer component.

Les figures 3a et 3b illustrent schématiquement les interfaces de couplage optique d'entrée et de sortie selon un mode de réalisation préféré de l'invention. Figures 3a and 3b schematically illustrate the coupling interfaces input and output optics according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Comme décrit précédemment, l'AWG 20 comprend au moins un guide d'onde d'entrée 11 présentant une interface de couplage optique avec une fibre optique d'entrée 8 et au moins un guide d'onde de sortie 15 présentant une interface de couplage optique avec une fibre optique de sortie 8'.As previously described, the AWG 20 includes at least one guide input wave 11 having an optical coupling interface with a fiber input optics 8 and at least one output waveguide 15 having a optical coupling interface with an optical fiber output 8 '.

De telles interfaces de couplage optique sont généralement collées. En effet, les fibres optiques 8, 8' présentent une section circulaire alors que les guides d'onde 11 et 15 de l'AWG ont une section rectangulaire. De plus, le composant AWG 20 étant intégré monolithique sur un substrat 10, une soudure est par conséquent difficile à réaliser.Such optical coupling interfaces are generally bonded. In Indeed, the optical fibers 8, 8 ′ have a circular section while the guides Wave 11 and 15 of the AWG have a rectangular section. In addition, the component AWG 20 being integrated monolithically on a substrate 10, a weld is by therefore difficult to achieve.

L'invention propose d'insérer un filtre couches minces 5 directement à l'interface de couplage optique entre la fibre optique d'entrée 8 ou de sortie 8' et le guide d'onde d'entrée 11 ou de sortie 15 de l'AWG.The invention proposes to insert a thin film filter 5 directly to the optical coupling interface between the optical fiber input 8 or output 8 'and the AWG input 11 or output 15 waveguide.

Le filtre couches minces se compose d'une succession de couches minces, d'indices de réfraction différents, déposées par pulvérisation ou évaporation sous vide selon des techniques parfaitement maítrisées de l'homme du métier. En variant le nombre, l'épaisseur et les indices de réfraction des différentes couches superposées, il est possible d'élaborer la réponse spectrale du filtre : le filtre couche mince 5 est conçu de manière à pouvoir sélectionner l'ordre de diffraction adéquat du signal de sortie du composant AWG.The thin film filter consists of a succession of thin layers, of different refractive indices, deposited by spraying or evaporation under vacuum according to techniques perfectly mastered by those skilled in the art. By varying the number, thickness and refractive indices of the different layers superimposed, it is possible to develop the spectral response of the filter: the layer filter slim 5 is designed so that you can select the correct diffraction order of the AWG component output signal.

Dans une variante, le filtre couche mince est conçu de manière à autoriser la transmission d'un groupe de longueurs d'onde et à réfléchir les longueurs d'onde distinctes dudit groupe de longueurs d'onde.In a variant, the thin layer filter is designed so as to allow transmitting a group of wavelengths and reflecting the wavelengths distinct from said group of wavelengths.

Le filtre couches minces 5 est avantageusement déposé sur la facette de couplage de la (des) fibre(s) optique(s) d'entrée 8 ou de sortie 8' du module. En effet, la facette de couplage d'une fibre optique est souvent clivée et comporte généralement un traitement anti-reflet réalisé par une technologie de dépôt de couches minces identique à celle décrite pour la réalisation du filtre couches minces.The thin film filter 5 is advantageously deposited on the facet of coupling of the optical fiber (s) input 8 or output 8 ′ of the module. In Indeed, the coupling facet of an optical fiber is often cleaved and includes generally an anti-reflection treatment carried out by a deposition technology of thin layers identical to that described for the realization of the filter layers thin.

Néanmoins, comme illustré sur la figure 3b, le filtre couches minces 5 peut également être déposé sur la facette de couplage du(des) guide(s) d'onde d'entrée 11 ou de sortie 15 du composant 20.However, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, the thin film filter 5 can also be deposited on the coupling facet of the input waveguide (s) 11 or output 15 of component 20.

Le filtre couche minces 5 n'est pas compris dans un composant supplémentaire au module selon l'invention car il est directement intégré dans l'interface de couplage optique d'entré ou de sortie. Ainsi, le composant AWG étant intégré sur un substrat monolithique, une intégration hybride avec les fibres optiques d'entrée et de sortie permet d'obtenir le module intégré selon l'invention.Thin film filter 5 is not included in a component additional to the module according to the invention because it is directly integrated into the input or output optical coupling interface. So the AWG component being integrated on a monolithic substrate, hybrid integration with optical fibers input and output provides the integrated module according to the invention.

Claims (10)

Module optique comprenant : un composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur à réseaux de dispersion angulaire (20), ledit composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur (20) comprenant au moins un guide d'onde d'entrée (11) et au moins un guide d'onde de sortie (15), un filtre couches minces, caractérisé en ce que, le module est intégré et comprend au moins une fibre optique d'entrée et au moins une fibre optique de sortie, ledit guide d'onde d'entrée présentant une interface de couplage optique avec la fibre optique d'entrée et ledit guide d'onde de sortie présentant une interface de couplage optique avec la fibre optique de sortie,
et en ce que ledit filtre couches minces (5) est inséré directement à l'interface de couplage optique entre le(s) guide(s) d'onde d'entrée et/ou de sortie du composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur et la(les) fibre(s) optique(s) d'entrée et/ou de sortie du module.Optical module comprising: a multiplexer / demultiplexer component with angular dispersion networks (20), said multiplexer / demultiplexer component (20) comprising at least one input waveguide (11) and at least one output waveguide (15), a thin film filter, characterized in that , the module is integrated and comprises at least one input optical fiber and at least one output optical fiber, said input waveguide having an interface for optical coupling with the input optical fiber and said output waveguide having an optical coupling interface with the output optical fiber,
and in that said thin film filter (5) is inserted directly at the optical coupling interface between the input and / or output waveguide (s) of the multiplexer / demultiplexer component and the (the ) optical fiber (s) for input and / or output of the module. Module optique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le filtre couches minces (5) est déposé sur la facette de couplage de la (des) fibre(s) optique(s) d'entrée et/ou de sortie (8, 8') du module.Optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that the thin film filter (5) is deposited on the coupling facet of the input and / or output optical fiber (s) (8, 8 ') of the module. Module optique selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que le filtre couches minces (5) est déposé sur la facette de couplage du (des) guide(s) d'onde d'entrée (11) et/ou de sortie (15) du composant.Optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that the thin film filter (5) is deposited on the coupling facet (s) of the input waveguide (s) (11) and / or output (15) of the component. Module optique selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les interfaces de couplage optique entre le(s) guide(s) d'onde d'entrée et/ou de sortie du composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur et la(les) fibre(s) optique(s) d'entrée et/ou de sortie du module sont des interfaces collées.Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical coupling interfaces between the input and / or output waveguide (s) of the multiplexer / demultiplexer component and the fiber (s) (s) optical input and / or output of the module are bonded interfaces. Module optique selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le composant multiplexeur/démultiplexeur à réseaux de dispersion angulaire (20) est intégré sur un substrat monolithique (10).Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multiplexer / demultiplexer component with angular dispersion gratings (20) is integrated on a monolithic substrate (10). Module optique selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il est intégré sur un substrat hybride.Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is integrated on a hybrid substrate. Module optique selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que ledit filtre couches minces est apte à sélectionner un unique ordre de dispersion du signal de sortie dudit composant.Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said thin film filter is capable of selecting a single order of dispersion of the output signal of said component. Module optique selon l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que ledit filtre couches minces est apte à autoriser la transmission d'un groupe de longueurs d'onde et est apte à réfléchir les longueurs d'onde distinctes dudit groupe de longueurs d'onde.Optical module according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said thin film filter is capable of authorizing the transmission of a group of wavelengths and is capable of reflecting the distinct wavelengths of said group of lengths wave. Module optique selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il constitue un module optique de multiplexage/démultiplexage en longueur d'onde.Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it constitutes an optical module for wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing. Module optique selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il constitue un module optique de sélection en longueur d'onde.Optical module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it constitutes an optical wavelength selection module.
EP02292571A 2001-10-18 2002-10-17 Arrayed waveguide multiplexor/demultiplexor module Withdrawn EP1304587A1 (en)

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FR0113441A FR2831278B1 (en) 2001-10-18 2001-10-18 MULTIPLEXER / DEMULTIPLEXER WITH DISPERSION NETWORKS WITH A SINGLE DIFFRACTION ORDER
FR0113441 2001-10-18

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